Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB3540: Creates the journaling for joy mental wellness program
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 160, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the journaling for joy program. Section A. Chapter 160, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 160.3500, to read as follows: 160.3500. 1. The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and make available to school districts and charter schools a voluntary preventative mental wellness program known as the "Journaling for Joy Program". The program shall be designed to promote emotional resilience, self-reflection, and positive behavioral outcomes through structured jo.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 160, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the journaling for joy program. Section A. Chapter 160, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 160.3500, to read as follows: 160.3500. 1. The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and make available to school districts and charter schools a voluntary preventative mental wellness program known as the "Journaling for Joy Program". The program shall be designed to promote emotional resilience, self-reflection, and positive behavioral outcomes through structured journaling practices. The program shall be nonclinical in nature and shall not be construed to provide mental health diagnosis, treatment, or counseling. 2. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, any school district or charter school may elect to implement the program for students enrolled (2) Sixth grade; and (3) Twelfth grade. 3. The department shall approve age-appropriate curriculum for each grade level. Each curriculum shall (2) An instructor guide for classroom implementation; (3) Structured prompts and reflective exercises; EXPLANATION -- Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended to be omitted from the law. Matter in bold-face type in the above bill is proposed language. HB 3540 (4) Instruction in personal responsibility, emotional regulation, goal setting, and conflict de-escalation; and (5) Optional …